FRANCE: The Manure Revolt

It was the official opening of the Orleans-to-Tours superhighway, and French Minister of Development Robert Galley and a bevy of lesser government officials were to be on hand for the ceremony. But the celebration was unceremoniously ruined last week by angry local farmers. They first blocked the highway by putting up a wall of flaming tires, then spread manure and urine around the outdoor buffet tables where champagne and petits fours were to be served. After looting the area of decorative plants and flowers, they finally settled down to drink the champagne themselves.

The farmers were protesting their discontent with rising...

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